06/16/2025
As groomers, we strive to make this experience enjoyable whenever possible. We understand that dogs that don’t come in enough feel like it’s a punishment and something to be afraid of. Other times, when we’re working with dogs they don’t like what we’re doing and try to find ways of “talking” us out of it.
On a personal level, so many of my dogs are happy to see me even if they hate grooming. When I’m working on them, I treat them like a coworker, having conversations, letting them know what I’m doing, etc. It sounds crazy but to me, treating them this way keeps them calmer and they tend to be less resistant. Every dog is different obviously and I adjust as needed. When I find out one of my clients has passed on to the rainbow bridge, it hurts. Your fur babies are my friends and coworkers and I am always appreciative of the time I get to work with them. Sometimes I’ve been working with pups for 9+ years, often I know them from puppyhood. I know their hopes (cuddles, toys, snacks, etc) and I get to see how happy they are to be clean and finished and see their humans at check out. As dogs get older or more nervous, they may not be perfectly groomed. They may not look as sleek, maybe have bad breath, possibly develop room-clearing gas, but we love them the same. I value all of the time I get with these precious pups and appreciate their humans for allowing me to be in their lives.
